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Can someone who has lived in both places please make some clear distinctions regarding life, people, fun, work, and cost of living?

I lived in Istanbul but adored Izmir when I visited. However, it's been difficult trying to extract concrete information -- Istanbulites simply can't fathom living elsewhere; on the other hand, people in Izmir seem more modern, and they like to visit the Bul but fail to see how anyone could bare to live in such a chaotic place.

Pros and cons of both??

[ghost]

Izmir - Pros: Better weather
Cheaper rent
Easier travel

Izmir - Cons: Less work compared with the Big Bul
A more provincial attitude
Less culture

Istanbul - Pros: Plenty of work in many places
More interesting city than Izmir
More stuff to do in spare time

Istanbul - Cons: Can be cold and wet in winter, and humid in summer
Rent generally much more expensive
Long, time consuming travel

Keep in mind that both Istanbul and Izmir have huge numbers of people who come from other parts of the country (Kurds for example) so it is sometimes difficult to find a true Istanbul native or the same for Izmir.

Ghost would choose Izmir for the weather, good travel connections, and more relaxed way of life. Antalya was a bit too touristy. Izmir is a real city which does not solely depend on tourism.

In Izmir you can find all the conveniences of a big city, but you can also find some aspects of a smaller town, especially in some of the suburbs.